The plantar fat pad Surface Anatomy

Location

The plantar fat pad is on the plantar aspect of the foot overlying the calcaneal tuberosity.

Significance

With aging and inflammatory arthritis, the plantar fat pad may atrophy. In a normal individual, the plantar fat pad will feel dense and thick and the contours of the calcaneal tuberosity will be hard to palpate. With atrophy, the area will be tender to palpation and the contours of the calcaneal tuberosity will be palpable.